West 14 Pocklington 5

A tremendous defensive display in the first half laid the foundations for this vital win which keep us six points clear of the third relegation spot.

A powerful Pocklington side had the benefit of the wind in the first half, and they spent much of it in the West half, but thanks to that tackling very little of it in our 22.

They had some powerful and agile runners, who came more in the game as we tired in the second half, as well as some lively young backs whose offloads in the tackle was often a joy to watch.

The visitors arrived without coach Mick Watson, who was working, and quickly set about showing why they have been unbeaten in five games. But their efforts came to nought with skipper Danny Boatman once again leading his West pack by example.

There wasn’t a single score in the first half but nobody would have argued that it wasn’t both entertaining and intriguing.

In fact, we might have gone into the break in the lead if a breakaway on the quarter hour which saw Liam Bailey send in Kyle Jamieson hadn’t been brought back for a forward pass. A close call.

But there was no doubt about our first try. It came just three minutes after the restart after we added some zeal to the energy being created by the breeze.

Sam Miller peeled off from the back of a scrum on the visiting 22, and Ryan Painter made good ground on the short side to find Southern whose quick hands gave Luke Mallinson enough space to set up an easy conversion.

There was less clarity about our second try just four minutes later – indeed it has taken several reruns of the video to work out what actually happened

Zac Southern made the initial break from another scrum and set Ian Pinchen galloping towards the posts. His inside pass to Andrew Rollins should have sent the hooker in for an easy try but it was low and bounced off Rollo’s legs.

Ryan Painter was the quickest to react and he fly hacked over the line athletically chasing the ball down to score with just inches to spare.

At 14-0 we were able to relax a little and produced some of our best rugby for some time with Adam Coates regaining some of his old capacity to burst through defences.

We did have a big shout for a third try after 52 minutes when once again a pass went to ground. This time it was the backs who slipped up with Mallinson the recipient of the poor pass.

However, thee winger showed great skill to chip the ball up and over his opponent which he gathered to go over. If Hartlepool United had skill on their team like that they wouldn’t be bottom of the football league.

Unfortunately for Mallo the “try of the season” was disallowed for a forward pass somewhere in the move. Another close call.

This was a rallying call for Pock who fought their way into the West half with a series of forward drives and they got their deserved reward on the hour.

Centre Billy Hardy burst through the West back line and made thirty metres before being brought down. Fullback Jack Fletcher was in support and he picked up to scamper over the line.

That gave the visitors new heart and centre Pete Massie did touchdown, but referee Adam Morrison ruled that it was a double movement after Zac Southern and Danny Boatman brought him down just short.

We cleared the danger, and from a scrum close to the touchline Adam Coates broke up the narrow side and made 25 metres battering his way through one tackle and evading another before he was brought down just five metres short.

The ball was recycled inside but Coates stayed on the wing – no doubt getting his breath back – and he was picked out by Ryan Painter who send in a high looping pass to send the prop in at the corner. However, once again the final ball was judged to have been forward.

Instead Mr Morrison brought play back for Pock offside at the breakdown. Zac opted for the kick but the wind carried the attempt just wide.

That was the end of the scoring despite both sides going at it hammer and tongs.

We had actually crossed the whitewash five times, and there’s no doubt a bonus point would have been very welcome. However, against a very good side the most important thing was the win, which leaves us six points ahead of Bradford and Bingley in the third relegation place, with Northern in between us and now five points behind West

We still have to travel to Bingley so some points from our next two games - at Wheatley Hills and Percy Park in the final home game - are a must.

If we continue to work as hard as this we will surely get our rewards.

Very important win against a decent side. It would have been easier if we had been given the two tries which did not look like forward passes to most people although in that wind you could understand the ref erring on the side of caution when making important decisions.
Looking at the league table the next two games are really big ones and we must get our training and hopefully we'll have a full squad available for both games.

Surprised nothing has been said about that very dangerous off the ball charge into the back of Zac Southern?
Apart from that it was a very fair and well contested game and an important win.
Totally agree that the next two games are massive for us

Great win followed in China!!! Released some pressure but ongoing results of teams we need to be above were not helpful for table position. Two more wins are still required a difficult but not impossible task with whom we have left to play. Togetherness, application and concentrated effort will get us there however!!! Well done WEST!!!

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net